Chariots of Fire Beach Race 2019

02 Jun 19

Celebrating our ninth year, Sunday 2nd June 2019 sees the return of Chariots once more on the silver sands of St Andrews. Come back and join us for a fun day on the beach, celebrating St Andrews' cinematic past. Chariots 2019 gives you the chance to run resplendent all in white on the very same beach that featured in the film Chariots of Fire, and so memorably with Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean at the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, complete with the memorable soundtrack that we've all played in our heads at one point or another...

The race continues to attract both new and returning runners from all corners of the globe who love the friendly, local community welcome they receive in this enchanting corner of Fife.

Don't believe us? Here's what some of our Charioteers have said about us over the years;

'Best 5k in the world'

'Set to be one of the biggest and most loved running events in Scotland. So many unique elements - the incredible location, the iconic outfits, barefoot running on sand, incredible donuts and a free beer. What's not to love?'

The race is a simple out and back 5km. Runners do not have to be barefoot but are welcome to run through the waves should they wish (it may affect the time though!)

The children's 1 mile fun run (under 11s only) race is scheduled to start at 11.30am (subject to the tides!), with the main 5km kicking off promptly at 12 noon. Prizegiving 1pm.

The event welcomes everybody, from the club runner looking for a Sunday shakedown, the parkrunner looking for a unique and individual event, the first time runner looking to try the sport for the first time, or just somebody wanting to relive Vangelis and run in an unique race in a very special location. You're welcome to sprint your heart out for glory, although some may find the urge to run in a slow-motion Vangelis-induced stupor may make setting a PB somewhat challenging.

We enjoy fantastic support from local businesses and thus you will be some of the best rewarded 5km runners known to man - the past three years every adult finishing has received a free locally-brewed bottle of beer, alongside the infamous fudge doughnut and medal, OBVIOUSLY!

**EARLY BIRD ENTRY FOR FIRST 200 ENTRANTS £16**

Entry is £18 (£2 discount if you are a registered member of Scottish Athletics) and after card fees and race expenses, all proceeds will go to our charity partners - keep an eye on the Chariots Facebook page for an announcement! Last year saw us top £6000 and we'd love to beat that this year. Please note, no refunds or transfers on race places (except in exceptional circumstances)

1 mile children's fun run for under 11s, entry £3 on the day and a Jannettas Gelateria ice cream at the end.

T shirt sizes are unisex - details are available on the entry form ahead of ordering. T-shirts will be available to order and pick up on race day. You'll see folk wearing them on the Facebook page for an idea of what to expect.

BACK FOR 2018...CHARIOTS BUFF!

Perfect to keep the early "summer" chill off your neck. Available in Union Jack or Saltire motif, select upon entry.

On-line EntriesPlease note that on-line entries close on Wednesday 29th May at midnight. Subject to availability there may be spaces left on the day although given the popularity of recent years (the past two years we sold out of places well in advance of race day!), there is no guarantee of this...

Start & Finish locationThe race starts and finishes on West Sands, at the town end with the “race village/hamlet” adjacent to the Sea Shell beach cafe which itself is located opposite the Links Clubhouse, just past the coach parking on West Sands Road. The route itself is pretty much flat, out and back and run entirely on sand and in surf and runners start and finish to the strains of Vangelis, just as the runners do in the film that inspires the race – Chariots of Fire. Marshals will be on hand to direct anybody unsure as to the exact location. Runners will run out along the beach for 2.5km before turning and sprinting for the finish (a piper will be at the turn.) Runners and supporters congregate near the beach café, close to the council toilets where on the day registration will take place

There are no changing facilities here although the council run toilet block is close by and competitors will be able to park their cars on the grass verges close by. Increased runner numbers in recent years has led to the provision of 6 portaloos with an additional disabled access toilet, although the council-maintained block opposite is also open.

The course, being a simple out and back, has minimal marking/marshalling, but the turn (further than you might think!) is clearly marked and very obvious. Especially this year following last year!

Once again we will be staging a Children's fun run of 1 mile, scheduled to start at 11.30am. Entry fees are £3 on the morning or at Saturday registration (1400-1700 on Madras lawn) and are restricted to the 11s and under. Adults are welcome to accompany their child although this doesn't automatically entitle you to their ice cream!

RegistrationFollowing the success last year of running registration across 2 days, we will again offer registration on Saturday in addition to the Sunday morning and would encourage as many as possible to register in advance to ensure a less fraught Sunday. The times for this are 1400-1700 on the lawn outside Madras College on South Street). Each runner must register with the organisers before the race where they will receive their race number - please affix this to the front of your running top with the safety pins provided - and timing chip.

On the day of the race itself, registration will take place at the race hamlet next to the beach café. Registration will run from 0930am. Whilst there may be spaces available on the day we strongly advise pre-entry to save time on the day and ensure you get your place.

Water StationsNo water stations – it is a 5km after all! All over 18 finishers will receive a bottle of locally-brewed beer. Please respect local byelaws and don’t crack them open outside. We hope to have more refreshments available and the Sea Shell beach café as ever would be glad of your custom. (Under 18 participants/tee totallers we will have some soft drinks in lieu for you.) Gluten intolerant runners - we have gluten free doughnuts and there will be a vegan treat ofr those of you for whom that applies.

Please proceed with cautionPlease run clockwise to avoid running into incoming competitors at the turn. Once clear, take the most direct route down the beach – even run barefoot through the surf if you choose (tide-dependant - it could be a long way out!). All runners must wear their race number on the front of their vest. Please use four safety pins (spare pins available at registration) to assist in identification of number at the finish line.

We are indebted to the expertise of Fife AC in their help in measuring and organising the course. They train on this beach every Thursday in the summer months, the lucky buggers – why not join them?! Click here for more details about joining Fife AC.

Dress code

All white – no one will stop you running if you don’t…but it’s much more fun…and makes for better photos if you run clad in all white. Also saves a lot of time retouching photos later on!

ParkingPlentiful free parking behind the sand dunes. Marshals will be on hand to direct you - please allow them to do so as we have A LOT of cars to fit in!

Charity and otherAll proceeds after essential costs will go to St Andrews based charities. The prizes, post race goodies and all services have been supplied free of charge by many local businesses and we are incredibly grateful to them for their support.

There will be a presentation for the top three male/female in both 5km and Children's race and we aim to have this no later than 1pm at the race hamlet. We hope to have some local live music to keep you entertained as you wait with bated breath. You lucky, lucky people…

Hope that has answered most questions – contact details should be readily available elsewhere on this website.

And that, fellow Charioteers, is that! Train hard, but remember to go out and enjoy yourselves first and foremost.

We can't wait for you to join us all down on the sand on 2nd June, "...with hope in your hearts, and wings on your heels..."